City seeks feedback on White Eagle pokies expansion

THE City of Greater Geelong is seeking public comment about a plan to more than double the number of pokies at White Eagle House.

The Polish Community Association has lodged an application to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) to expand its gaming operations at the venue in Fellmongers Road, Breakwater.

The application seeks to increase the number of electronic gaming machines from 35 to 78, which will help support about $4.75 million worth of improvement works to the venue.

The city is preparing a response to the application for the VCGLR, and is asking for public comment about the application, until February 13, via a survey at geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay.

Comments on the application can also be made direct to the VCGLR website.

The Polish Community Association has stated that the additional 43 pokies would be rolled out in three tranches.

The first tranche of 15 pokies would be deployed upon approval, the second allotment of 15 after completion of new sports facilities, with the final 13 to follow an upgrade of the licensed hospitality facilities.

The VCGLR has set down a hearing into the application for February 26.

“The City’s Electronic Gaming Policy aims to reduce the negative impacts of problem gambling resulting from electronic gaming machines,” City of Greater Geelong acting director of community life Robyn Stevens said.

“The policy also seeks to ensure that any decisions around gambling do not have a detrimental impact on our community.

“We’d encourage all community members and organisations to have their say on the Polish Community Association’s application.”